Fritillaria is a genus of about 100[1] to 130[2]species of bulbous plants in the familyLiliaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially the Mediterranean, southwest Asia, and western North America.[3] The name is derived from the Latin term for a dice-box (fritillus),[4] and probably refers to the checkered pattern of the flowers of many species. Plants of the genus are known in English as fritillaries. Some North American species are called mission bells.

Fritillaries often have nodding, bell- or cup-shaped flowers, and the majority are spring-flowering. Certain species have flowers that emit disagreeable odors. The scent of Fritillaria imperialis has been called "rather nasty", while that of F. agrestis, known commonly as stink bells, is reminiscent of dog droppings.[5] On the other hand, F. striata has a sweet fragrance.[5]

Though there are many local farms which grow the local native Fritillaria species for the market of herb, there are only three companies (1 川贝母ChuānBèiMǔ and 2 平贝母 PingBèiMǔ) which are certified growing under the regulation of the "Good Agricultural Practice for Chinese Crude Drugs" so far.[7]

Most fritillaries contain poisonous alkaloids such as imperialin; some may even be deadly if ingested in quantity. But the bulbs of a few species, such as F. affinis, F. camschatcensis, and F. pudica, are edible if prepared carefully. They were commonly eaten by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast.[9]